Kate Middleton's post-chemotherapy experience has been called inspiring — and 'tone deaf': 'It can be hard for people to relate'

Six months after Kate Middleton announced she was beginning treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, the Princess of Wales is on the mend. On Sept. 9, the 42-year-old shared an emotional video to social media in which she announced she had completed preventative chemotherapy and was focused on remaining "cancer-free."

“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Middleton said. "With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything."

The film featured Middleton, her husband Prince William, and their three children, 11-year-old Prince George, 9-year-old Princess Charlotte and 6-year-old Prince Louis, enjoying the outdoors near their summer home in Norfolk.

The video struck a chord with royal-watchers and commentators who praised the royals for sharing such an intimate look into their family and speaking so truthfully about her cancer journey.

“It’s so inspiring to hear you describe the surprising gifts that a disease like this can bring,” said actress Olivia Munn, who announced she had undergone her own journey with breast cancer earlier this year. “I send you all the love in the world.”

“I got diagnosed last year and finished chemotherapy this last week along with Kate. Her words couldn’t be truer,” wrote one Instagrammer. “This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your courage. It somehow gave me hope through my journey as well.”

Thousands of well-wishers offered kind words to the princess, however there were some who thought the video missed the mark entirely.

"This video is so tone deaf — millions of women suffer from cancer, [and] they don't have the best doctors, an army of staff to do the shopping, [or] take the kids to school," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Then make this monument to their beauty. I have nothing against the royals or Kate, but this is just obnoxious."

Another said the video felt "a bit unnecessary and insensitive" to the "countless people" who experience cancer and weren't able to access the same level of care as Middleton. "A simple statement would have sufficed," they wrote.

David McCallum, who counsels cancer patients in all phases of their cancer journey, spoke to Yahoo Canada about why some people may have taken issue with the royal’s video.

“Sometimes there is a stigma attached to celebrities and high profile figures dealing with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses because of the resources they have,” McCallum said. "But even so, it’s crucial for public figures to share their vulnerability — it can be inspiring for others going through similar challenges.”

The financial impact of a cancer diagnosis

Although the Princess of Wales's video was meant as a sign of solidarity with other cancer sufferers, Middleton's circumstances are very different than non-royals. Many people find themselves worrying about the financial impact of their illness throughout the course of treatment.

Beyond expenses not covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs such as travel to hospitals and specialists, loss of work or reduced working hours can severely impact a family’s financial health long after treatment is over. A Feb. 2024 survey by Angus Reid and the Canadian Cancer Society found that 90 per cent of Canadians feel as though sudden cancer diagnosis would affect their household finances. Thirty per cent said they would have to go into debt to cover the out-of-pocket costs while 63 per cent said cancer-related expenses would impact their stress and mental health.

While most families grapple with the financial burden of healthcare, hospital visits for the British royals are unlike those of ordinary citizens. Members of the royal family have exclusive access to dedicated wings in hospitals under the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) in addition to world-class private hospitals such as The London Clinic, where Middleton underwent abdominal surgery in Jan. 2024. King Charles also received treatment at The London Clinic earlier this year for an enlarged prostate and an undisclosed form of cancer.

'It can be hard for people to relate'

Despite the fact that chemotherapy side effects can be different for everyone, some social media users noted that Middleton didn't appear to experience a common side effect of chemotherapy: Hair loss.

“Hair loss has a big impact on a person’s identity. It can be hard for people to relate if someone doesn’t appear outwardly ill. But it’s important to exercise curiosity about their experience, even if they don’t show those signs. We just don’t know what’s going on… Some of my clients look quite well, and you wouldn’t know they’re living with a life-threatening illness.”

McCallum also noted that cancer can feel isolating, even for high-profile individuals. “Despite survivors being out there, the person (battling cancer) can still feel very alone in their experience. Public figures face additional challenges sharing their stories because they are more accessible.”

Transitioning into recovery

The emotional toll of cancer continues long after treatment is complete. Middleton said she has a "renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life" in recovery, however many people struggle to face their post-chemotherapy life with the same optimism.

According to a 2021 report from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis continue after treatment. Approximately 78 per cent of Canadians who had cancer experienced at least one emotional issue—such as major depression, adjustment disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder—within one to three years after treatment .

Several factors contribute to this link between mental health and a cancer diagnosis. People may struggle with self-blame, feel stigma based on the type of cancer they had, or face relationship issues. Grieving over current and future losses, fears about death, and body image changes can also take a toll. On top of these emotional challenges, social factors like difficulty accessing specialized care, job changes, or loss of income can further complicate their mental health.

For those survivors who find themselves in a similar place as Middleton and trying to move on with a positive mindset, McCallum said “counselling is an important part of support.” Finding a therapist or support group and building healthy habits are key to moving into this next phase of recovery.

"Different personal practices like meditation, mindfulness, physical activity, depending on what their ability may be [are also beneficial],” he said. “Anything that can really help with a sense of restoration, because the treatment is something that really attacks one's body. Self-care practices that can address the anxiety of recurrence are good."

Additionally, McCallum advised survivors to be “open and honest about the grief that they've experienced.”

“It's really just about what makes sense to the person post-treatment,” he said.

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